Trump Expresses Interest in US Joining the British Commonwealth Amid Reports of Royal Offer
Former President Donald Trump has publicly expressed his enthusiasm for the United States potentially joining the British Commonwealth, following reports suggesting that King Charles III is considering extending an offer of associate membership to the US during Trump’s upcoming state visit to Britain. The prospect of the United States, a nation born out of rebellion against British rule, becoming a member of the Commonwealth has sparked considerable discussion and debate.
Trump conveyed his positive sentiment on his Truth Social platform, stating, "I love King Charles," while sharing an article referencing a Daily Mail report. The report claimed that King Charles III would secretly propose associate membership for the United States during Trump’s second state visit to the UK. Trump further amplified the report by reposting it on Saturday morning, underscoring his interest in the potential offer. Fox News Digital has reportedly reached out to the White House for comment on the matter.
The British Commonwealth, established in 1926, is a voluntary association of 56 independent countries, predominantly former British colonies. Prominent members include Australia, Canada, India and South Africa. Queen Elizabeth II, throughout her reign, prioritized the maintenance and strengthening of the Commonwealth. The British monarch serves as the symbolic head of the organization. Membership signifies a commitment to shared values and principles, including democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, fostering cooperation in various fields such as trade, culture, and development.
The historical context of the United States’ relationship with Britain adds another layer of complexity to the discussion. The US was once part of the British Empire before achieving independence through the American Revolution. While the two nations have maintained a close and enduring relationship in modern times, the historical context of separation makes the prospect of joining the Commonwealth particularly noteworthy.
Trump, throughout his presidency, cultivated a cordial relationship with the British monarchy, particularly with Queen Elizabeth II. He has frequently praised the late queen, emphasizing her long and impactful reign. “I got to know her very well, and, you know, I got to know her in her 90s, OK, but she was great,” Trump told Fox News’ Mark Levin in 2023. “This is a woman … 75 years she reigned, and she never made a mistake.”
He has also spoken favorably of King Charles and Prince William, having met with the latter in Paris in December. However, his remarks regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been less complimentary, highlighting the complex dynamics within the Royal Family and their relationship with the former President.
The Daily Mail report indicates that the idea of Commonwealth membership for the United States was initially explored during Trump’s first term in office. This time around, the report suggests that the move is aimed at easing trade tensions between the US and Canada, two key Commonwealth members, amid ongoing tariff disputes.
According to a member of the Royal Commonwealth Society cited in the Daily Mail report, "This is being discussed at the highest levels. It would be a wonderful move that would symbolize Britain’s close relationship with the U.S. Donald Trump loves Britain and has great respect for the royal family, so we believe he would see the benefits of this. Associate membership could, hopefully, be followed by full membership, making the Commonwealth even more important as a global organization."
Late last month, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented Trump with King Charles’s invitation for a second state visit during a meeting at the Oval Office. Starmer emphasized the strength of the relationship between the two countries, stating, "I think that just symbolizes the strength of the relationship between us. This is a very special letter. I think the last state visit was a tremendous success. His majesty the king wants to make this even better than that."
Trump accepted the invitation, expressing his enthusiasm for the visit. "The answer is yes. On behalf of our wonderful first lady Melania and myself, the answer is yes, and we look forward to being there and honoring the king and honoring, really, your country. Your country is a fantastic country," he responded.
Trump has previously described Charles as "beautiful" and a "wonderful man," adding, "I’ve gotten to know him very well actually, first term and, now, a second term."
The potential implications of the United States joining the Commonwealth are considerable. For Britain, it could significantly boost the organization’s global influence and relevance. For the United States, it could offer a new platform for international cooperation and diplomacy. However, the move would also likely face scrutiny and debate within the US, particularly given the historical context of independence from British rule and concerns about potential limitations on sovereignty.
Whether the reported offer of associate membership is genuine and whether the United States would ultimately accept such an offer remain to be seen. The upcoming state visit by Trump to the UK will likely provide further clarity on the matter and shed light on the future of the relationship between the US and the Commonwealth. The evolving geopolitical landscape and the desire to strengthen transatlantic ties are undoubtedly contributing factors to this unique proposition.
